Soccer season is here! And if you didn’t know, our Sports Medicine Staff is providing free injury assessments on Monday Nights for the Superiorland Soccer Association from 6:30-730PM at Kaufman field in Marquette!
So to kick off the season, let’s take a look at 5 common injuries that you may want to watch for this coming season.
Ankle SprainThis is quite a common injury for athletes who participate in sports which require lots of running, agility and cutting. Step wrong, or step in a pot-hole, and you can “roll your ankle”. Signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain are pain, swelling and discoloration. Sometimes an athlete will get bruising on or near the ankle. If an ankle sprain is suspected, it’s best to have it evaluated by a Licensed health professional.
ACL injury The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a major stabilizing ligament of the knee. It can become injured in the case of planting and twisting, landing improperly, or other mechanisms. Symptoms of an ACL injury include pain, large amounts of redness and swelling, and is often indicated by a significant “pop” sound. This is definitely an injury which should be taken seriously, and evaluated by a Licensed health professional.
Groin StrainThis injury is usually caused by an over-stretch or over-use of the inner muscles of the thigh. It is characterized by pain and limits in function. It can be particularly painful, and can take quite a long time to heal. Why? The muscles of the groin and inner thigh are intimately involved in walking and running. So if there is an injury to this area and it never gets a rest from a pain-provoking stimulus, the inflammatory cycle often continues. Seeking care from a Physical Therapist to treat this nagging injury can help you get back on the field quickly and safely, while minimizing the risk for recurrence of the injury.
Patellar TendinitisAlso known as “Jumper’s knee,” Patellar tendinitis is an overuse syndrome that happens when too much stress is placed on the knee. It’s characterized by pain on the front of the knee, just below the knee cap. It typically worsens with running, jumping and landing. While by itself it is mostly benign, it can often cause athletes to present with compensation patterns which may increase their risk for further injury. There are plenty of athletes who play with patellar tendinitis. But, seeing a Physical Therapist to get some treatment can often provide quick relief and return to play.
If you or your athlete are suffering from these (or any other) injuries, get in to see us for a FREE injury screening today!